6thMay 1934 – 12thDecember 2010
Nottingham St Patrick's Day Festival presented the Nottingham's St Patrick's Day trophy to Sean's wife, Teresa, and children Michael, Sarah and Pauline, as a tribute Sean for his musical contribution on the main entertainment stage on St Patrick's Day for the past 11 years.
Sean was born in Foxpoint, Co. Mayo in 1934, the eldest of four siblings. He was a musician since he was a boy, playing the box in Mayo at the gable end of his house for the local farmers as they passed by. As a teenager Sean's talent for music really came to light as he progressed onto playing in his uncle's band in the locality, driving to the dance halls, and getting back in the early hours of the morning to start work.
He came to England in the late 50s as young man, working in and around Nottingham. Sean was a strong supporter of the Irish culture and traditions within the Irish community, and kept his music alive, playing at weddings, local clubs and dance halls and extended his repertoire to the drums.
Sean was a proud and important member of the Irish Centre and Comhaltas in Nottingham, along with his family, and they were all brought up in the tradition of the music. His passion for the music came through in his life-long support for Comhaltas, and the people that were part of it. Sean even found time on Christmas Day along with friends to visit the homeless on Canal Street in Nottingham, and then in later years in Emmanuel House in Nottingham, to play a few tunes for the Irish people who had less fortunate circumstances than he did.
He is remembered for his love of music, having the craic with the older crew, and the joy he got from encouraging the youngsters – always making sure they took their turn leading a set in the session on a Monday night at Nottingham Irish Centre, or taking their part in the famous St Patrick's day parade. He always turned up to support events, big or small, and even when he hurt his arm, we couldn't stop him from playing for too long!
We all have our very personal and fond memories of our interaction with Sean, which is very special to each and every one of us. Sadly we are now greeted on a Monday evening by an empty space at the end of the bench where he proudly played his Castagnari box – egging us all on with a tap of his foot, the tapping of coins to the music and his cheeky smile.
We remember him fondly, are truly grateful to him for the work that he has done for Comhaltas, and for Irish music in Nottingham – we will miss him dearly. Sean, you leave a big gap in our lives, go raibh maith agat as dúinn go léir.
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